Jack Ratt Lugger Rum – Wins Award

It has been quite a month for Lyme Bay Winery’s new flagship product; Jack Ratt Lugger Rum, having just been crowned ‘Champion’ at the ‘Taste of the West Awards’ as well as securing a national listing with Waitrose, launching in stores this month.

Making waves with its distinctive bottle shape, eye-catching label and full profile of complex spices, Devon’s first spiced rum has now been recognised by judges as the best in the West; triumphing over scores of South West drinks products to be named ‘Champion’ in the ‘Wine, Spirits and Liqueurs’ category at an awards ceremony held at the Great Hall in Exeter on Thursday 13th September.

Reacting to the success, Managing Director; James Lambert commented: “It’s been a wonderful surprise. We’ve known from day one that the Lugger Rum was something special but to win this award in such great company is a real honour”.

The award comes just as Lugger Rum launches into Waitrose stores nationally; hitting shelves in over 150 stores across the country from the 17th September. “The decision to approach Waitrose was an obvious one,” explains Sales Manager, Sara Walters, “we have established a valued relationship with Waitrose over the past decade, during which time the team there have shown us nothing but the utmost support and enthusiasm for our new ideas and products”.

The Lugger Rum has been no exception, receiving important support and guidance from Waitrose spirit buyer John Vine. Expressing his excitement at the potential of Lugger Rum amidst the growing national demand for rums with provenance, Vine explains: “Our shoppers are interested in both the regional differences and individual flavour profiles of authentic rums”.

The team at the Devon winery are confident that the combination of the Lugger Rum’s early award success alongside a national listing will help to propel Lugger Rum into the public imagination and reinforce Lyme Bay Winery’s reputation as one of the country’s most exciting drinks producers.